TMFive

This is just a hunch, but this could be caused due to the cruise control module.  This is more likely not caused by a driver ‘pressing down’ on the cruise control “accl” button as this is a wand-type of control and you must press up on the wand to increase speed.  But, faulty circuitry or wiring between the wand and speed control module could be to blame. 

This evening I heard the motorist from California who’s blue Prius accelerated on the highway only to be slowed by a couragious police officer in his cruiser.  He said he had the brakes as hard as he could and was pulling the emergency brakes.  This is difficult to believe as this car really doesn’t have THAT much power behind it–after all, this is a Prius we’re talkin’ about. 

Here’s my idea: 

In addition to using the brakes, if you can, take a breath and TURN OFF THE KEY or PRESS THE STOP BUTTON (if Prius).  Turning off the key should be the very next step after hitting the brakes if you’re in a vehicle that accelerates after you’ve taken your foot off the gas.  Every Time!  Yes, you’re car may lose power steering with the engine cut off but, YOU WILL SLOW DOWN! 

I don’t have a number of various vehicles to run out and test this theory but, I’ve driven my share and every time that’s I’ve turned the key off on a car while driving, guess what happened–it stopped running.  Have I done that a lot?  Sure!  I grew up on a farm in the country and we’ve tried all kinds of stupid things in and on cars growing up.  That sense of adventure and the constant curiousity to “see what happens” still lives within.